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Social Security

How Social Security works with Medicare, explained simply.

3.6%Cost-of-living raise for 2027Starts with January 2027 payments

67Full retirement ageFor anyone born in 1960 or later

$25,5602027 earnings limitIf you work and claim before full retirement age

65Medicare startsEven if you wait to claim Social Security

How Social Security and Medicare work together

Already getting Social Security?

If you start benefits at least 4 months before you turn 65, you're usually signed up for Medicare Parts A and B automatically. Your card comes in the mail about 3 months before your birthday.

Waiting to claim?

Medicare still starts at 65, even though full retirement age is later. If you're not getting Social Security yet, you'll need to sign up for Medicare yourself.

Your Part B premium

Once you get Social Security, your Part B premium is usually taken out of your monthly check automatically.

Working while you claim

Before full retirement age, $1 is held back for every $2 you earn over $25,560 in 2027. In the year you reach full retirement age, it's $1 for every $3 over $67,920. It isn't lost; your check goes up later.

Spouses and survivors

Married, widowed or divorced?
You may have more options than you think.

50%

Spousal benefit

A spouse can get up to half of the worker's full retirement benefit, when they claim at their own full retirement age.

For exampleTom's full benefit is $2,400. His wife could get up to $1,200 a month on his record.

100%

Survivor benefit

A widow or widower can get up to all of what their spouse was receiving, or was entitled to receive.

For exampleRuth's husband was getting $2,600. As his widow, she could get up to $2,600 a month.

10 yrs

Divorced spouse

Married at least 10 years and haven't remarried? You may be able to claim on your ex-spouse's record, and it doesn't lower their check.

Good to knowDivorced at least 2 years? Your ex doesn't even need to have started their own benefits yet.

Every situation is different. Ages, work history and other benefits all play a part, and Social Security decides exactly what you qualify for. Examples are for illustration only.

Open my Social Security account Apply for benefits at SSA.gov

General education only. We're not affiliated with the Social Security Administration, and we don't give Social Security claiming advice. Figures from SSA.gov.